College Costs in Irvine, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 24 colleges in Irvine, California. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$13,752
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$33,606
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,145
per month
Colleges & Universities
24
institutions
Irvine Overview
Population
307,670
Student Population
16,104 (5.2%)
Cost of Living Index
109 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
68/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
College Cost Calculator for Irvine
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$133,264
Total After Financial Aid
$133,264
Annual Cost
$33,316
Annual After Aid
$33,316
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $133,264 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,513 |
| Total Interest | $48,318 |
| Total Loan Cost | $181,582 |
Universities in Irvine
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of California, Irvine | Public | $13,752 |
| Irvine Valley College | Community | $1,540 |
Irvine has 24 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Irvine vs. National Average
| Category | Irvine | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $13,752 | $10,940 | +$2,812 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,145 | $1,050 | +$95 |
| Cost of Living Index | 109 | 100 | +9 |
Irvine's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Irvine
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
16,104 students
Irvine has a total population of 307,670, with approximately 16,104 college students (5.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Irvine offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Irvine
$51,173
Starting Salary
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
46%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Irvine earn a median starting salary of $51,173, which is $16,173 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $133,264 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,909 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in California
Los Angeles
69 colleges · Avg tuition $13,804
San Diego
68 colleges · Avg tuition $10,911
San Jose
95 colleges · Avg tuition $7,852
San Francisco
22 colleges · Avg tuition $7,266
Fresno
37 colleges · Avg tuition $7,302
Sacramento
38 colleges · Avg tuition $7,488
Long Beach
14 colleges · Avg tuition $4,169
Oakland
13 colleges · Avg tuition $11,404
Bakersfield
18 colleges · Avg tuition $7,309
Anaheim
19 colleges · Avg tuition $6,920
Stockton
27 colleges · Avg tuition $11,231
Riverside
20 colleges · Avg tuition $14,169
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